Former Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen said Tuesday he "will always be a Celtic" and downplayed speculation about a potential rift in his relationship with team legend Paul Pierce after missing his jersey retirement ceremony over the weekend.

Allen posted a long message on Instagram congratulating Pierce on the achievement, which read in part:

"Paul and I have spoken about our time together as teammates—going to battle night after night knowing we could count on one another and we have also talked about my decision to leave during free agency—a choice I made for my family. Despite what you may have heard or read or what is rumored—there is nothing but love. Paul and I are more interested in building bridges than putting up walls."

This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available.

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